VERNA  E.  LANDESS HOWELL, 88, of  Peoria, formerly of Pittsfield, passed away Monday, May 17, 2010 at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was born near Sunnyhill near Pittsfield, IL., on April 14, 1922 to Stuart E. and Julia Mink Landess.  She married Clayton D. Howell on May 10, 1942 in Pittsfield, IL, and he preceded her in death on September 11, 2002.  In her earlier years, Mrs. Howell was a bookkeeper, then a housewife who enjoyed quilting and pillow making and completing crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  She dearly loved her grandchildren.  Verna had lived in Pittsfield, Cuba, Springfield, and Peoria, Illinois, as well as California, Tennessee,  and Arkansas. 

Survivors:  Two daughters:  Janet C. Howell of San Francisco, CA, and Becky Cobb of Peoria, IL, a brother: Donald (Betty) Landess of Quincy, IL, and three grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Clayton and a brother Stuart L. Landess, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 21 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, Illinois, with Rev. Lonnie Landess officiating.  Burial will be at the Blue River Cemetery, Detroit, IL. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 21, 2010 from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, Illinois.

Memorials are suggested to the Blue River Cemetery, the West Cemetery, or the Oakwood Cemetery.

 Condolences may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the services.